Office to Christmas Party in 2min

3 Closet Staples to take from the Office Right to Your Holiday Fetes

Because our holiday schedules mean we've got only moments to spare when we're running home from the office and then out to our respective parties, dressing for events becomes more of a chore than the fun task we think it should be. Instead of having the time to prep our favorite party wear, we're stressing over what we can throw on to get out the door in a flash. We're here to set you straight — being efficient and looking great don't have to be mutually exclusive, especially when you plan ahead. To play it smart, we've narrowed it down to three of our favorite closet essentials that are easy to take from daytime on the job to our after-hours parties. Chances are you already have each of these pieces in your closet, but to help you work out the details and inspire your best holiday looks yet, you'll want to click through for all the styling and day-to-night shopping.

The Pencil Skirt

This Vince Pencil Skirt ($195) is perfect for pulling double duty — and chances are you already have one like it in your closet. Give it a cozy look for daytime at the office with a chunky turtleneck and Chelsea boots, then switch it up for party time with a peplum top (to accentuate your waist), metallic accents, and a pair of ankle-strap heels.

Day:
Nili Lotan Chunky Turtleneck Sweater ($455)
Loeffler Randall Mini Bag ($395)
Marc by Marc Jacobs Chelsea Boots ($450)

Night:
Topshop Lace Peplum Corset ($72)
Diane von Furstenberg Lytton Small Metallic Clutch ($325)
Zara Studded Vamp Heel and Ankle Strap ($129)

The Shift Dress

J.Crew's Jules Stretch-Wool Twill Shift Dress ($198) is the perfect piece to have on hand for all of your winter styling needs. Take it to the office with tights and printed flats — and a great little leather jacket to top it off. For cocktails, give it a dressed-up makeover with megawatt jewels, a pretty clutch, and pointed-toe pumps (bonus points for a pair with a little extra sparkle!).

Day:
Sarah Berman Rudy Zip-Detailed Leather Jacket ($385)
BCBG Max Azria Astor Leather Crossbody Bag ($84)
Steven by Steve Madden Vegass Leopard Ballet Flat ($90)

Night:
Kenneth Jay Lane Rhinestone Deco Earrings ($130)
Love Moschino Bow Frame Clutch Bag ($250)
Alice + Olivia Meyer Suede Glitter Heel Pumps ($295)

The 7 Holiday Party Staples Every Girls Should Have At the Ready

Trousers

A polished pair of printed pants, like these J.Crew Cafe Floral-Print Wool-and-Silk-Blend Capri Pants ($595) will serve you well all season. They're easy to give a more office-appropriate tilt with a classic blazer, tote, and pumps — but just as easy to style up for a night out with a faux fur, a chain-strap bag, and some seriously sexy footwear.

Day:
Topshop Ponte Boyfriend Blazer ($70)
Alexander Wang Pelican Satchel ($985)
Zara Leather High-Heeled Court Shoe ($90)

Night:
Mango Faux Fur Jacket ($130)
Rebecca Minkoff Flirty Leather Shoulder Bag ($250)
BCBGeneration Jett Strappy High-Heel Sandal ($98)

Which look can you see yourself stealing? Let us know in the comments below!

Best and Worst BB Creams

A year ago, we'd never even heard of BB creams and then, much like Jennifer Lawrence, BB creams were all anyone could talk about. And while you may now be spotting BB creams on the shelves of your local drugstores and specialty beauty boutiques, not many of us really know what this suddenly-trendy product promises to do.
The "BB" stands for blemish balm in Asia, where this multi-tasking product first gained popularity, but in the States "BB" stands for beauty balm.  BB creams are touted as do-it-all products that promise to replace a host of items on your vanity; think foundation, serum, moisturizer, primer, and SPF. Plus, you can pair a favorite BB cream with tinted moisturizer or powder for additional coverage.
But before you head out, determined to come back a BB cream devotee, take my advice and pick one of theses BB creams



Love it! L'Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB cream
Surprisingly good describes Magic Skin Beautifier BB cream best. This four-in-one cream primes, perfects, hydrates and corrects skin. Available in a variety of hues chock-full of encapsulated pigments that cover skin imperfections, this BB cream also acts as an ultra-light lotion and contains vitamins C and  E. Get it for about $8 at local drugstores and Walmart.

 

Love it! Jane Iredale Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream
Recommended by the Skin Cancer foundation as an effective UVA/UVB sunscreen, the recently released "Glow Time" is a full coverage mineral BB cream with an SPF 25 rating.  This product covers blemishes while minimizing pores and wrinkles, plus it smoothes and brightens skin in a variety of shades. Anti-aging ingredients, including apple extract, bitter orange extract, grapefruit extract, aloe leaf juice, honeysuckle extract, and sunflower seed oil, control oil while soothing and calming skin. Get it for $48 at shopjaneiredale.com or at local medical spas.

 

Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB cream (and more)
Amongst the first BB creams available in the US, Korean brand, Dr. Jart just released a BB sampler ideal for women ready to try a BB cream but not sure where to start. The four-piece set includes Dr. Jart's classic BB cream plus waterfuse BB cream, Black Label Detox BB cream and an anti-aging BB cream. Get it for $34 at Sephora.

 

Love it! Embryolisse BB Cream
For those with oily skin, Embryolisse's BB cream is more gel-like than many of its counterparts. Best of all, this product also boasts AHAs or fruit acids to help eliminate dead skin cells  gently, plus mineral powder pearls that absorb excess oil and reflect light, leaving skin aglow. Embryolisse's BB Cream calls upon hyaluronic acid to plump and firm skin. Get it for $39 at embryolisseusa.com.

 

Love It! Pixi Illuminating Tint & Conceal BB cream
Pixi's BB cream is a tinted moisturizer, concealer and hydrator with an SPF 20 rating, and it boasts significantly more coverage than many of the other beauty balms we tried. Free of fragrance, talc and oil,  the unique roller applicator and SPF 20 protection provides ample coverage with skin-saving ingredients. Get it for $30 at pixibeauty.com.

 

Love It! Garnier BB Cream
It has moisturizers, Vitamin C and SPF 15 sun protection. Plus, at about $12 at local drugstores, Garnier's BB Cream is ideal for those who want to try a beauty balm without breaking the bank. Available in two shades, light/medium and medium/deep, Garnier's BB Cream earned an affordable two thumbs up

 

Love It! HydroPeptide's SPF 30 Anti-Wrinkle Skin Enhancing UV Protection
 is a surprisingly good BB cream thanks in part to self-adjusting, color-changing spheres that blend into skin flawlessly and serve up ample coverage. A hydrating blend of Niacin and aloe deliver hydration and super antioxidants while green tea and acai berry counteract damage to skin. Multi-tasking Galanga root controls oil production while boosting this formula's UV protection factor. And as a side note, the scent is slightly citrusy and seriously addictive. Get it for $40 at hydropeptide.com

Love It! Smashbox Camera Ready  
has gained a huge following of loyal beauty addicts. And while the product acts as a moisturizer, primer, concealer, and foundation, like a good BB cream should, it earns rave reviews for a "progressive" coverage formula, meaning that you can achieve different levels of coverage depending on how you wear it. SPF 35. Get it for $39 at Sephora or for 33€ at Douglas

DO NOT TRY THESE:

 

Leave it. Maybelline Dream Fresh 8-in-1 BB Cream
This product was decidedly un-dreamy and does little to perfect skin.
Leave it. Vivo Beauty Balm
Just terrible and doesn't work.
Leave it. Origins A Perfect World BB Cream
Makes your skin feeling stiff and the finish is very unnatural.

DIY NAIL POLISH STORAGE IDEA

It’s fall cleaning time, girls!! Are you, like me, completely obsessed with nailpolish? Here’s a fancy little idea by the beautydepartment.com for storing your nail polish collection. We all love to have a few favorite colors sitting out on the vanity but since nail art has become such a huge trend, you may be the proud owner of LOTS of polishes. In this DIY, you’ll basically be giving a shoe box a quick “pretty paper” makeover and then filling it up with your polish. But instead of just throwing your polishes in the box, we’re going to put dots on top so you can keep the box nice and neat! Here we go:

photos/post/graphic design: Kristin Ess

1. Find an old shoe box. Plain ones work just the same, but try finding one with a little charm! I grabbed this one because it had this pretty bright coral color on the inside!
2. Paint small white labels with each color of polish. Use white labels so you can really see the true color of the polish. Remember to keep the bottles lined up in the same order as the stickers so you don’t end up putting the wrong color on the wrong bottle! Once these labels with polish on them have fully dried, use a standard hole puncher to pop out circles from the label.
3. Apply the circle you punched out to the tops of the bottle.
4. Pick a pretty paper for your shoe box. I chose 2. I found this patterned gold wallpaper at the Container Store and I got gold tissue paper there, too. I’m using the gold tissue paper for the lid. It’s fun to mix + match. Pattern on pattern would probably be really fun as well.
5. Cut and wrap your shoe box. I used spray adhesive from the craft store to attach the paper to my shoe box, but if you don’t have that you can just use scotch tape.
6. FILLERUP! Place the polishes in the shoe box in any order you want. I usually go rainbow-y so particular colors are easier to locate.

How to find the perfect pair of jeans for you!

We’ve all been on that treasure hunt for that perfect pair of jeans at one point in our lives. It’s a process that takes effort, diligence, and endurance. In extreme cases, this unavoidable style search could last for endless hours, create caffeine overconsumption, and leave even the most expert shoppers feeling defeated at the end of the day. Classic blue jeans will always remain a yearlong style staple, so it’s important to find ones that do your body some good. Since the task of finding this “perfect fit” might seem daunting, I’ve gone ahead and done some of the legwork for you…literally! Everyone deserves to find their own true love in a pair of jeans, so take a peek at my denim guide below and allow me to simplify your search…

If you’re pear shaped… A pear shaped body type tends to carry weight in the hips, rear, and legs—the lower half. A mid-rise, balanced style will flatter your shape because it will elongate your legs. Ideally, you should search for pair of moderate skinnies like these Mid-Rise Slim Boot Leg jeans by J Brand. This streamlined fit creates a sleek look that will flatter your curvy zone. Be sure to stay away from super high-waisted jeans at all costs—they will shorten your legs and create a disproportioning effect.

If you’re apple shaped... Apple-shaped ladies need their denim to provide a little more “give” in the waistline, because they tend to carry their weight around the middle. Choose a fit that has a straight leg so that it shows off your assets, but without making you look middle-heavy. The Stilt Cigarette Jeans by AG Adriano Goldschmied is a great choice for this figure. Steer clear of a super skinny, tight fit and avoid high-waisted trousers—which will draw negative attention to your middle area.


If you’re curvy... Girls with curvy body types must be very careful to select a style that will create a slimming effect in all the right places. Show off your curves by picking a pair that hugs your assets and flatters not-so-favorite features. A lot of denim brands have fits that are marked “curvy,” which just means that the jeans are constructed specifically for curvier figures (plus they usually have some stretch to them, which is never a bad thing). Levi’shas a great line of jeans called the “Curve ID” collection that basically lets you choose your jeans depending on how curvy you are. I suggest trying the Low Rise Bold Curve Skinny Jeans. If you’re a curvy girl with a small waist you can rock the high-waisted trouser look because the cut will accentuate and flatter your tiny middle area. Lately, be sure to go for dark wash denim versus light to create a slimming effect.


If you’re busty... A wide leg fit will help balance out your bust so you don’t appear top-heavy. Choosing a lighter color wash will also draw the eye downward and away from your chest. Go for low-rise, boot-cut or wide leg trousers like Hudson’s Gwen cut to achieve this balancing effect. (And opt for a top that has a pretty neckline or cinches at the waist in order to play up your best features.)


If you have a petite build... Petite girls can go for almost any cut, but it’s a good idea to try a pair of jeans that lengthens your legs. A long, super skinny cut will show off your tiny figure and curves, while a pair of high-waisted trousers will create the illusion of height and length (I suggest wearing a pair of heeled wedges to make your legs look even longer). I love the Avedon Slick Skinny jeans by Citizens of Humanity for a petite build because they flatter your shape and they appear give your legs a couple extra inches. Low-rise jeans will also showcase your petite build. Just be sure to avoid anything that is too baggy—you will look like you’re drowning in denim! SOS!


If you have an hourglass figure... If you have the curvy but balanced body type we call “hourglass.” This figure can wear almost any cut. but it’s important to show off your curves the right way, and skinnies will highlight your curves. A pair of wide-legged trouser jeans will work wonders for enhancing your waist, so try a pair like my LC Lauren Conrad Slim Bootcut Jeans. Also, make sure that you pick a pair that isn’t too low rise, or you might be exposing a little too much of your curves every time you sit down…if you know what I mean. If you’re dying to try a skinny leg style, choose one that has a contoured waist and is made from a stretchy material so that it will give a little in the hips and rear.


If you’re tall… If you’re lanky and lean, go ahead and show off thosegorgeous gams. A low-rise pair will help give your shape proportion, and a high-rise style will make your legs look like they go on for days (which is never, ever a bad thing). You can rock a trouser style, a balanced boot cut, flared jeans (like this mid-rise cigarette style by J Brand), or an ultra skinny fit—just make sure that whatever style you choose emphasizes your best feature.


If you have an athletic shape... For girls who have toned, athletic bodies, your best bet is to create curves while evening out your shape at the same time. I would suggest bootcut or flared jeans that are fitted around the thighs and bum, but a little more relaxed around the calves and ankles. A pair likeLucky Brand’s Charlie Flare jeans will balance a boyish silhouette while offering the illusion of a curvier figure.


Trends in fashion come and go, and some denim styles are fun to experiment with (70s bell bottoms anyone?). But a pair of jeans that truly flatters your figure and hugs your body perfectly will always stay in style. At the end of the day, try on a lot of different styles and see what you feel the most comfortable in. Personally, I adore dark denim skinny jeans. It took me a little while to figure out that this color and cut is my go-to. Now that I know what works for me, I can confidently shop for denim without hesitation.

Tell me about your favorite pair of jeans in the comments below. Also, if you have a fashion question, let me know about that too!

Style Obsession: Rebecca Minkoff

Hey guys,
so today I will introduce you to one of my favorite Designers : Rebecca Minkoff!

Rebecca started as a handbag designer in 2005 and after 4 years turned to designing apparell in 2009. She has a very flirty and feminin look in her designs combined with some rocking  leather and studs. Her statement bags like the " Morning after Bag" ( short M.A.B) made her famous but her continued combination of beautiful feminin clothes with an edge is why people love her and why I love her.

I will introduce you to some of my favorites from her online shop as well as my favorite looks presented on the NY Fashion Week this year. Also I will show you how some celebs rock Rebecca's clothes.

Lets Start with my favorites from her online shop. I put some collages together for you with some gorgeous outfits, shoes and handbags.

This is the Fall 2012 Campaign video for Rebecca Minkoff.

                            

Missed Fashion Week? No problem, here is the Rebecca Minkoff Runway Show

                            

Now with this years NY Fashion Week just being over I wanted to show you some of my favorite looks from her Spring/Summer 2013 Campaign. These are all so gorgeous and flowy, that I can't decide which is my favorite, maybe you can help me with that in the comments below.

Rebecca Minkoff is not only an established designer with a world wide online shop at RebeccaMinkoff.com but also is a favorite of a lot of celebrities. One of my favorite and personal fashion role model is Lauren Conrad. Here are some pictures of her and other celebrities rocking Rebecca's gorgeous fashion.

Do you wanna win a 500$ shopping spree at RebeccaMinkoff.com ? 

Then click here and enter your info and tell Rebecca what you think of her collection. And who knows, maybe you'll be the lucky winner!

And if you are a blogger like me and wanna win an amazing 1500$ shopping spree, then create your own Rebecca Minkoff blog post and enter here to win.

What do you think of Rebecca's Collections and her NY Fashion Week Show? Tell me in the comments below.

Have a great day

-xoxo

Sunday Obsession

Hey guys,

another week has past and again I will show you my favorites this past week. So here we go:

Favorite End-Of-Summer-Dress

 Favorite Truth

Favorite Song

                          
 Favorite Pair Of Shoes

 Favorite Outfit

Favorite Date-Outfit

Favorite Nail-Art

What were your favs this week??

Outfit of the Day

Here is todays outfit of the day. I love the color-texture combo with the adorable blazer. Just to cute!